Compare Neurontin vs. Zyprexa

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.

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Neurontin (gabapentin)

Prescription only

Zyprexa (olanzapine)

Prescription only
Treats tingling and burning nerve pain.

Neurontin (gabapentin) is an old seizure disorder medicine that is now used to treat nerve-related pain caused by different conditions.

3.4/ 5 average rating with 620 reviewsforNeurontin
Helps control your thoughts and mood.

Zyprexa (olanzapine) is good for treating psychosis, mania, and agitation, but it's more likely to cause weight gain and sleepiness than other antipsychotics.

3.7/ 5 average rating with 68 reviewsforZyprexa
Upsides
  • Originally used to treat epilepsy (partial seizures), but now it primarily treats neuropathic pain that's caused by nerve stimulation or damage.
  • Studies show it's most effective for nerve pain from diabetes, shingles, and fibromyalgia (a painful muscle condition).
  • It's available as a generic, so it's less expensive than similar medications.
  • Effective at relieving psychotic symptoms, manic episodes, and agitation in people with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
  • Less likely to cause heart problems than other antipsychotics.
  • Less likely to cause movement problems compared to older antipsychotics.
Downsides
  • Neurontin (gabapentin) can cause some side effects, including memory problems, drowsiness, dizziness, or confusion. There is a higher risk for these side effects if you drink alcohol, so it might not be the best medication for heavy drinkers.
  • You can't skip or miss doses since suddenly stopping Neurontin (gabapentin) can cause seizures.
  • More likely to cause weight gain and increase cholesterol or blood sugar compared to other antipsychotics.
  • Might make you more sleepy than some antipsychotics.
  • Mild risk of Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS): Movement disorders that include stiffness, tremor, restlessness, and slow, repetitive movements you can't control.
  • You may need routine blood tests to check how the medicine is affecting your body..
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Oral solution
  • Extended release
  • Pill
  • Dissolving tablet
  • Injection
Price
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Reviews
620 reviews so far
57%
saidit'sworth it
40%
saiditworked well
19%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Neurontin (gabapentin)?

Leave a review
68 reviews so far
41%
saidit'sworth it
51%
saiditworked well
51%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Zyprexa (olanzapine)?

Leave a review
Side effects
20possible side effects
  • Dizziness
    28%
  • Drowsiness
    21%
  • Swelling in the limbs
    8%
  • Abnormal physical weakness
    6%
  • Diarrhea
    6%
  • Infection
    5%
  • Dry mouth
    5%
  • Constipation
    4%
  • Nausea
    4%
  • Headache
    3%
  • Accidental injury
    3%
  • Stomach pain
    3%
  • Vomiting
    3%
  • Worse coordination
    3%
  • Thinking abnormal
    3%
  • Decreased vision
    3%
  • Gas
    2%
  • Weight gain
    2%
  • Abnormal gait
    2%
  • Lack of coordination
    2%
See more detailed side effects
9possible side effects
  • Drowsiness
    48%
  • Weight gain
    28%
  • Increased appetite
    28%
  • Headache
    17%
  • Fatigue
    14%
  • Dizziness
    7%
  • Dry Mouth
    7%
  • Abdominal pain
    6%
  • Pain in extremity
    5%
See more detailed side effects
Risks and risk factors
  • Suicidal thoughts or behavior
  • Neurologic and psychiatric side effects (children)
    • Children ages 3 to 12
  • Serious allergic reaction and multiple organ problems
  • Driving impairment
    • Taking Neurontin (gabapentin) with alcohol
    • Taking other medicines that cause dizziness and/or drowsiness
  • Withdrawal seizures
    • Stopping Neurontin (gabapentin) suddenly
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Increased risk of death
    • Elderly patients with dementia
  • Blood disorders
  • Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
  • Heart problems
    • History of heart problems
    • Drug interactions
  • Shaking and restlessness
  • Higher blood sugar, high cholesterol, and weight gain
    • People with diabetes
    • People with high cholesterol
See more detailed risks and warnings